Red flags your kid is gaming too much in summer holidays – and tips to handle it

The summer holidays are upon parents up and down the country, and that means more quality time with little ones. But often, all they'll want to do is playtheir games with friends, incessantly complaining if you give them limits on their screen time. It's important, however, to get a balance with their activities, and to ensure they've got enough to do off their screens.

Of course, not every childwho spends a lot of time on their games will experience negative effects as a result, but experts have warned that there are signs parents should look out for to check whether your kids have an unhealthy gaming habit.

TikTok user @marom.matan warned that there can be "many negative consequences" if your children are constantly playing video games.

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Faye Hwang, Business Development Manager atLDShop shared the "five warning signs that everyone should know" when it comes to spotting the red flags.

1. Your child experiences mood swings when they stop gaming

When your child becomes unusually irritable, angry, or upset the moment they have to stop playing, this could signal an unhealthy attachment to gaming. Normal disappointment at having to stop and go to bed is one thing, but explosive reactions or prolonged sulking suggest that gaming has become more than just entertainment.

Faye said: "Watch for dramatic personality changes. If your usually calm child starts having meltdowns when you ask them to pause their game for dinner, that's a red flag worth paying attention to."

2. They're withdrawing from social activities and family time

If children who once enjoyed family outings, sports, or hanging out with friends start declining these opportunities in favour of gaming, this can be a red flag. However, it's important to keep your eyes peeled for it, as it can happen gradually, and could be initially easy to miss.

The shift from "I'll play after we get back" to "I don't want to go at all" represents a concerning change in priorities. Pay attention when gaming consistently wins over real-world social connections, warns Faye.

3. They're experiencing sleep disruption and fatigue

Gaming late into the night or waking up early to play can severely impact your child’s sleep quality. Look for signs like difficulty waking up, falling asleep during the day, or complaints about being tired despite spending hours in their bedroom.

Faye said if gaming is "interfering with healthy sleep patterns, " then it may be time to "reassess the boundaries" surrounding gaming.

4. Declining academic performance

If you notice your child's grades are dropping, homework is being rushed or forgotten, or teachers are reporting a lack of focus, it can all indicate gaming is taking priority over education in your child’s mind.

This isn't always dramatic - sometimes it's subtle changes, such as putting less effort into assignments or missing deadlines, that signal a problem.

5. They have an obsession with in-game achievements

While celebrating gaming successes is normal, becoming consumed by virtual accomplishments at the expense of real-world goals suggests an unhealthy balance. Children might talk exclusively about their gaming progress or become distressed when they can't achieve certain milestones, Faye warned.

How can you create healthy gaming habits for your children?

Set Clear Time Boundaries: Establish specific hours in which your child is allowed to play games and stick to them consistently. Use timers or parental controls to help enforce these limits without constant reminders.

Encourage Offline Hobbies: Actively promote activities that don't involve screens. This might mean signing them up for classes, planning family activities, or simply making non-digital options more appealing and accessible.

Create Gaming-Free Zones: Designate certain areas of the home and times of day as gaming-free, such as during meals or in bedrooms overnight.

"The goal isn't to eliminate gaming," Faye shared. "You want to help your children develop a healthy relationship with technology that doesn't interfere with other important aspects of their lives."